Robert Pardue, a Discovery Park of America employee representing a hobo, walks by the window at the Train Depot during a Polar Express experience last year, creating even more magic for the children in attendance. Polar Express is one of many Christmas and holiday activities planned at Discovery Park of America this year. A complete list of holiday and Christmas events and activities at the park can be found in the accompanying story, or by visiting the park's website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com. PHOTO:Discovery Park of America, courtesy

ADVERTISEMENT

Holiday Plans Announced at Discovery Park

By West Kentucky Star Staff

UNION CITY - Discovery Park of America has announced their plans for the upcoming holiday season.

The day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) is the opening of the “Let it Glow Light Show.” The mile-long, 700,000-light exhibit will be open each evening that the park is open from 5:00 until 9:00 through December 30th. The park and light show will be closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

The cost to drive through the light show is $5 per car, $10 for a 15-passenger van, $25 for a larger bus like a school bus and $50 for a charter bus.

Guests can tune to 88.1 on the FM dial to hear Christmas music while touring the display.

This year fans are invited to stop and visit with Santa at the Train Depot on Friday evenings from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. For $5 each, guests can stroll through the Train Depot area with a cookie from Sammies and hot chocolate or coffee from Higher Ground, which are included in the price. Additionally, one free group photo with Santa will be provided. Additional photos are available for $5 each.

Other December activities include “Photos with Santa” each Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., sponsored by Green Plains. Everyone is invited to bring a camera and snap a photo with Santa in Dinosaur Hall. There’s no extra charge to visit with Santa, it is free for members and anyone with park admission.

Discovery Park has a mail box that offers guaranteed delivery to the North Pole. Children are welcome to bring their letters to Santa and mail them in the Discovery Center lobby on Saturdays, and at Polar Express on Sundays. All letters with a legible return address will receive a reply from Santa.

Sunday afternoons bring Polar Express at the Train Depot, sponsored by ATA. Tickets for Polar Express went on sale in July, and the event is completely sold out. If you weren’t able to get a Polar Express ticket this year, and would like to go next year, you can call the park and add your name to a waiting list.

Saturday, December 1st is a big day at the park, as the nationally recognized David Johnson Chorus is singing at the top of each hour throughout the day. This event is sponsored by Clark Cattle Company and is free with park admission. The Family Education Series (FES) will host “Laughing all the Way” the same day, with performances at 11:30 and 2:00 in the Chapel on the grounds at Discovery Park. According to Education Director, Polly Brasher, this choral group from UTM presents a musical history of the Christmas carol.

The park will have its monthly Wine and Paint class on December 7th, Kid’s Create art class on December 8th and the popular PBS character, Nature Cat, will be in Dinosaur Hall from 1:30 until 3:00 on December 9th.